I wasn't aware of its unpopularity. I remember reading some pessimist posts about whether it would be successful or not, but nothing that seemed out of the norm of run-of-the-mill NIMBYism. I am under the impression that it has gained broad support in the last few years. It turned into a real popular attraction. My experience was really great and I think everyone loves it, locals and tourists alike.

To add to my theory ... I'll bet that the automated cable tensioning system only works when the system is running.
During the day, it heated up, then at night, when the system was off, it cooled down. That tension from contraction probably places more load on the cable than even the passengers during operation - assuming that the system doesn't adjust for that tension in the night.

So theory is ... Metal Fatigue, compounded by Chinesium and/or salty Howe Sound air, that finally broke during a contraction during the coldest part of the night, when the system was turned off and not automatically tensioning the rope.

To add to my theory ... I'll bet that the automated cable tensioning system only works when the system is running.
During the day, it heated up, then at night, when the system was off, it cooled down. That tension from contraction probably places more load on the cable than even the passengers during operation - assuming that the system doesn't adjust for that tension in the night.

So theory is ... Metal Fatigue, compounded by Chinesium and/or salty Howe Sound air, that finally broke during a contraction during the coldest part of the night, when the system was turned off and not automatically tensioning the rope.

To add to my theory ... I'll bet that the automated cable tensioning system only works when the system is running.
During the day, it heated up, then at night, when the system was off, it cooled down. That tension from contraction probably places more load on the cable than even the passengers during operation - assuming that the system doesn't adjust for that tension in the night.

So theory is ... Metal Fatigue, compounded by Chinesium and/or salty Howe Sound air, that finally broke during a contraction during the coldest part of the night, when the system was turned off and not automatically tensioning the rope.

Let's see how that goes ...

That or the James Bond steel toothed rope eating guy!

Yeah but, the thing was brand new (pretty much anyway). Surely these things are engineered to withstand such forces.

To add to my theory ... I'll bet that the automated cable tensioning system only works when the system is running.
During the day, it heated up, then at night, when the system was off, it cooled down. That tension from contraction probably places more load on the cable than even the passengers during operation - assuming that the system doesn't adjust for that tension in the night.

So theory is ... Metal Fatigue, compounded by Chinesium and/or salty Howe Sound air, that finally broke during a contraction during the coldest part of the night, when the system was turned off and not automatically tensioning the rope.

Let's see how that goes ...

That or the James Bond steel toothed rope eating guy!

There’s probably a fault sensor that will trip even if it’s powered off

“I have a responsibility to not be intimidated and bullied by low life losers who abuse what little power is granted to them as ski patrollers.”

Could there have been a better design for the chosen location and conditions? With high winds, sea-air, a very steep unsupported section, why not built it using the same design as the Grouse gondola or the WB Peak To Peak and have weight bearing cables (tramway) separate from the haul rope?